text:
Date: 1/11/2005
The LDF learning and dissemination project is working with ten pilot authorities to capture what they learn from the preparation of their LDF and disseminate that learning to practitioners. The reports of the learning from meetings of the pilot authorities are to be found on the Planning Officers Society and Planning Advisory Service websites.
The pilot authorities met on 1 November 2005, and this bulletin sets out what came out of that meeting. The meeting addressed five areas -
HEALTH WARNING - The material here sets out the broad conclusions which came out of discussion with the pilot authorities, and represents an early view of what seems to be sensible practice. It is not presented as good practice at this time, because the test of that will only come when it has been applied in reality and can be seen to have worked.
Gearing engagement to its purpose at each stage in plan formulation
Stakeholder analysis - A key aspect of engagement is to decide who to engage with. Stakeholder analysis is a simple tool whereby a list is developed at the outset of groups and individuals considered to have a stake in the local area and a particular interest in the LDD being prepared. This can be easily done by a small group of officers and/or members in an hour. The initial list is extended to identify what the area of interest for an individual or group is likely to be. This can be used to consider both who should be engaged on the particular LDD and how to go about doing so.
In considering which approaches to use, there is helpful guidance on the websites of -
There are indications that some authorities have simply carried forward approaches to consultation previously used in local plan and UDP preparation, without questioning whether they are appropriate for the purposes of LDF preparation. It is suggested that some of the approaches developed in community plan preparation and community development will be more appropriate, and that there will be value in discussing the approaches used and their perceived strengths and weaknesses with colleagues working in these areas.
The three stages of engagement - The procedure for preparing an LDF requires engagement with communities and stakeholders at two stages -
In addition, there will be a need for explanation and clarification at submission stage.
Each stage has a distinct purpose, and there needs to be clear thinking to ensure that the approach taken to engagement at each is properly geared to its purpose, and will produce useable findings to inform and influence decision-making.
Issues and options stage - The primary function of this stage of engagement is to establish what are the real planning issues facing the area and the choices which have to be made, so that the options within them can be properly evaluated. In addition to being part of the formal process of DPD preparation this is also a key part of sustainability appraisal, which should ensure that all reasonable options are identified and appraised. In this connection, it should be kept in mind that anyone can ask for any issue or option relevant to the function of the particular DPD to be considered, and that this must then be done unless the matter can be ruled out of consideration because it would take the DPD out of conformity with the adopted core strategy or out of general conformity with the RSS. (Note: an emerging core strategy cannot be used to rule options out of consideration - it can only be used in this way once adopted).
The planning authority should see this stage as having several objectives -
The pilot authorities have had mixed experience of engagement at this stage. There was a common view among the pilot authorities that efforts at the very beginning to raise public interest in the fact that the LDF was to be prepared proved to be of little value. The feeling was that people and organisations want to talk about the issues and how they will be tackled (rather than the process), so it is better to get straight onto discussion of the issues which the plan needs to address.
One authority felt they probably did too much on asking about the issues and that they would benefit from a more focused approach in the future. They had consulted some 1500 community groups and individuals but only received a very limited response, and in future would look to use a smaller database of organisations likely to be interested. Focus groups and workshops were poorly attended, and taking displays to local events to try to stimulate interest had elicited a disappointing level of reaction. They had also consulted via the Council's own newspaper, and found that the open form of the questions made it very difficult to analyse the results. They were reviewing their approaches in the light of this experience.
Barking and Dagenham have worked with voluntary sector umbrella organisations as a means of identifying the particular issues for a range of sectors within the community. There are a number of advantages to be gained from taking this approach : the 'coalface' community sector umbrella organisations have a direct and current relationship with the individual groups hence their contacts and databases are up to date and they have a knowledge of how to interest and reach their constituent groups that is not available to the authority direct. They also run regular events upon which the council can 'piggy back' rather than organising their own resource-intensive event, eg an exhibition stall at a community fair or workshop at a voluntary sector conference. The existing networks thus act as a channel for the council's communications and engagement on the DPD.
Similarly, Doncaster did not have the resources to meet all their Parish Councils individually, so they were arranging meetings with the Parish Associations.
Barking and Dagenham found it helpful to refer to previously gathered information and update it by saying "You told us that........Is this still the case? If not, how have things changed?" Other participants also reported that returning to consultees is a key to obtaining useful responses. Apart from the views obtained, this approach has the virtue of showing that the authority has listened and taken note of what people have had to say. Barking and Dagenham also intend to use focus groups towards the end of this stage to explore the issues raised by the earlier consultation on the issues and options. This will also help to demonstrate continuous engagement. They will pay participants £30 for taking part in a focus group (a practice commonly followed in fields other than planning).
There was a common concern among the pilot authorities about how to balance the need to comply with national and regional policies and targets with local community aspirations, which can be very different. A topical example is housing growth. They had found the need to be absolutely honest about the level of choice actually available, and what the boundaries of a particular consultation are, especially where there is a strong national or regional policy. For example, if the number of dwellings to be provided in a district has been determined by an adopted RSS, it is likely that the main matters of choice will be about where they will go, density, mix and affordability and design. This needs to be made clear at the outset of any consultation. Hillingdon had worked to make sure that stakeholders, councillors and the public understood the requirements of the different tiers of Government policy, and felt this had helped considerably in setting up realistic expectations and facilitated the work on preferred options.
Preferred options stage - At this stage the planning authority has prepared alternative scenarios and identified what it considers to be the best strategy for the area (in the case of the core strategy) or the most appropriate blend of policies or allocations. The purpose of engagement now is to find out how others respond to these ideas before they are worked up into fully detailed proposals. The choices to be made will require a grasp of how different issues and options within them affect each other, so the emphasis should be on approaches which enable explanation and discussion of the implications of different scenarios. This points to use of techniques such as focus groups, workshops, and bilateral meetings with interest groups. The publication of the "Proposals for the DPD" (Regulation 26) and the Sustainability Report at the same time provides the formal opportunity for anyone to make representations, and the authority should ensure that this step provides the means for anyone who is interested in the emerging DPD to have continuing opportunities for involvement as the DPD is worked up for submission. The aim should be to build consensus and develop a sound plan..
The idea of consensus building can be taken forward in two contrasting ways at this stage. In terms of the community as a whole, the planning authority can seek to identify the strategy which enjoys the highest level of general support. This will mean tailoring the approach to engagement to get the views on the main alternative scenarios of the widest possible range of stakeholders and individuals, and not just the "usual suspects". There will of course be disagreement over detail, and the wide and sometimes competing range of interests will mean that there is bound to be some opposition to any scenario, but it is suggested that often there will a considerable level of consensus on the principles of the DPD.
Alternatively, the planning authority can seek to build consensus with its partners and key stakeholders on a strategy which all can subscribe to. This could be done under the umbrella of the local strategic partnership, or by the planning authority bringing the relevant players together. Developing consensus with partners will be valuable both in taking forward spatial thinking about both the issues and the solutions, and in building their commitment to delivery of those aspects of the DPD which fall to them. It will be important to be honest with partners that while the authority is keen to work towards consensus with them it must also listen to other voices, so the eventual preferred options may need to be modified as a result.
Looking at the experience of the pilot authorities, Horsham have used a variety of engagement techniques in relation to their several DPDs. They involved partners in the development of the core strategy, which was linked with a review of the community strategy, and at that stage used the local strategic partnership as the focus of consultation. They found that even though they worked closely together, they would wish to collaborate even more closely next time around.
In relation to their allocations DPD, Horsham worked with action groups, parish councils and others with direct interests in particular sites. They also wrote to householders in properties adjoining sites proposed for development inviting them to a public participation session, and found this significantly increased the number of residents attending sessions and responding to consultation documents. This is a way of reaching people who may not otherwise engage, but they also found that this led to multiple objections which could be repetitious, and it is questionable whether any 'new' views were gained. However, this potential disbenefit should be set against the considerable benefit of gaining significant samples of responses and sound evidence for proposals.
Joint working groups were developed to assist in the development of Area Action Plans, including the PCT and other delivery partners in the area.
The development policies DPD was worked up with individual groups of relevance to the subject and where required, advocates of groups. Horsham officers felt that at this level of policy they really were working together to build consensus on the drafting of policy and that they gained better policies as a result. They found that focussed consultation on specific issues (development control policy issues in their case) does give rise to helpful responses and appears to build some consensus.
Hillingdon chose to consult on preferred options documents containing fully-developed policies, and felt that this made stakeholders, Council members, officers and the public more comfortable with the transition from the UDP to the LDF. They felt that being clear about the detail of the chosen option provided wider scope for prompting early, meaningful responses, and offered more scope to use those responses to improve the policies. Doncaster had also found that consultees wanted documents to be specific, even to including draft policies, and found more general expressions of the intentions of policies too vague and difficult to respond to. Acknowledging that people may want as much clarity over detail as possible, there is of course a risk that they will focus so much on detail that that they do not properly consider their stance on the overall strategy and the relative merits of different scenarios.
Submission stage - It is important to be clear the submission stage is quite different from the deposit stage in the local plan system. The engagement with communities and stakeholders on the content of the DPD should have taken place at preferred options stage, and by the time the authority reaches submission it has made its mind up firmly on the plan it wishes to adopt, and is not consulting on the DPD nor open to any material change in it.
The planning authority will wish to ensure that people and organisations are aware that the plan has been submitted, and that this is the opportunity to make representations, and in particular to raise an objection and have it taken forward for consideration by the Inspector at the examination. It follows that activity at the submission stage will be primarily a matter of explaining the DPD and its policies/proposals clearly, so that people can decide whether to make representations, and do so in an informed manner. This demands honesty and tact from the planning authority. It would be misleading to suggest that the authority is open to significant change in the plan at this stage, or to use approaches which imply that this is the case.
Consideration should be given to how the authority can ensure that all sections of the community are made aware of the proposals in the submitted DPD, and not just from those who may feel threatened by the proposals. This suggests the use of a range of communication techniques.
Authorities need to be clear about the fact that there is no "proposed changes" stage in the new system, and all objections will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by the Inspector. Occasionally an authority may consider that an objection to, say, the detailed wording of a policy would improve or clarify the document, and be willing to see a change to that effect. The means of dealing with such a situation will be to indicate its willingness for the change to be made in its evidence to the examination.
PPS 12 sets down strict limitations on the changes that can be made after submission, and it would be best to avoid encouraging any late changes, which will require making further opportunities for representations as well as ensuring that SA and community involvement requirements are met.
It should go without saying that consideration should be given long before submission to how representations will be handled, recorded and reported. This will include the development or adoption of a suitable database system. It should also be kept in mind that the Regulations require evidence of the earlier consultations to be reported.
The LDF, the local strategic partnership and community strategy
Building the relationship - When the pilot authorities set out on LDF preparation, there was considerable variation in the extent of their involvement with the local strategic partnership and community plan preparation. At Hambleton and Horsham the planning department was responsible for both the development plan and the community strategy, so the means of integration were readily available, and at New Forest there was established close cooperation. New Forest have now reached the position that there is support in principle from the district Council, LSP and new National Park Authority for the principle of joint working on the LDF core strategy, review of the community strategy and National Park Management Plan. The idea is that there will be a coordinated programme of public involvement and that documents will be produced in an integrated way, with the broad strategy (vision, aims, objectives, spatial strategy and strategic policies) possibly set out in a joint strategy document.
At the other extreme, in some authorities there was little tradition of collaboration or even contact, but things are changing. Hillingdon has seen a big improvement in internal communications and commitment to spatial planning due to powerful champions in the leadership and Chief Executive. The LDF team and the team supporting the local strategic partnership are now working together and pooling knowledge and resources. Close working relationships with the Borough's stakeholders has proved invaluable in developing a preferred options document which will help to deliver a variety of strategies outside the land use planning context, and has gained the support of the local strategic partnership. The ability to show the support of stakeholders has also enabled the case for proposals to be heard by the Greater London Authority where they might have carried less weight if presented by the local authority alone.
The local strategic partnership at Doncaster has become an enthusiastic partner in work on the LDF, and Coventry have similarly maintained good working relations with their LSP. However, another authority has found that under-resourcing of the LSP has limited its capacity to work with the planners, that partnership board members are too busy to see the potential of spatial planning, and any spatial planning sub-groups are not sufficiently influential. Moreover, it should not be assumed that all elected members are enthusiastic about collaboration with the LSP: indeed some are suspicious of what they perceive as giving power or influence to people with no democratic mandate.
Getting the LSP engaged - This leads to the issue of how to get the LSP to engage with the LDF where it is not currently doing so. It is suggested that the answer lies in the experience of Hillingdon and others that powerful champions are needed within the authority, who will both make the LDF a priority and take the message to the LSP that the LDF is important and it really does need to get involved. In this connection, the Planning Advisory Service has commissioned POS Enterprises to develop a communication toolkit to assist planners in "selling" the significance of the LDF to leading members, Chief Executives and Directors, and the senior management of partner organisations.
Some local strategic partnerships may be interested in the LDF in principle, but are so busy with wide-ranging and demanding work programmes that they have real difficulty in giving much time to LDF matters. In such cases it is suggested that agreement should be sought for one of the sub-groups of the LSP to become the vehicle for collaboration with LDF work, or that an additional sub-group should be established. Whichever approach is taken, the sub-group will need to take real ownership and carry significant weight, and include senior representatives of the partners most likely to contribution to delivering the LDF strategy. It should report regularly and substantively back to the main partnership body though a concise report which focuses on the critical issues and seeks explicit endorsement to specific propositions, rather than a progress report to be merely noted.
Some local strategic partnerships are considered to be good at collaboration in service delivery, but not so good at addressing strategic and spatial planning issues. In such cases, the planners need to find ways to help the partners engage in the key strategy choices. At the same time, there is plenty of room for humility here - many planners are having to work hard to change their mind-set from familiar land use planning precepts to an effective grasp of spatial planning and its potential. LSP partners' ways of thinking may be different, but are not fettered in such a way, so interaction with them is a valuable way for planners to open up their thinking to non-land use influences and solutions.. It is suggested that the aim should be wherever possible to work with the LSP partners though informal approaches such as visioning, brainstorming, and consensus building, rather than in the restricting format of formal meetings.
Obstacles to effective collaboration - In developing the working relationship with the local strategic partnership, it needs to be recognised that there are obstacles to integration of the LDF with the community strategy, which will have to be addressed and progressively overcome. They include -
These obstacles are not insuperable, and there are good examples of authorities where effective collaboration is embedded in working arrangements, including some of the pilot authorities. But they do need time, for mutual learning and to build up understanding and trust. Where close collaboration does not already exist, consideration should be given to how to build up relationships and working practices with partners with a view to improving the degree of integration over time. It certainly requires sustained effort, but as Ipswich have found, the fact that the authority and its partners meet regularly and are used to cooperation on matters where agreement is readily reached helps considerably when the time comes to deal with contentious issues.
It will be necessary to be clear and honest with partners about the effects of the statutory system under which the LDF is prepared. There are two aspects to this. First, the LDF will be constrained by Government policy and RSS targets, and partners need to appreciate that there is no point in saying things in the community strategy which cannot be delivered or prevented. They of course are equally bound by higher level policy and direction. Second, the LDF may move away from the community strategy in some manner, whether because the evidence suggests that it should, or the Council feels it must respond to strong public feeling on an issue, or at the end of the process the Inspector may decide that an aspect of a DPD that follows the community strategy is unsound. There therefore needs to be an understanding with partners both that this may happen and that there will then need to be corresponding changes to the community strategy through an early review. There are opportunities in the core strategy to iron out any differences of vision and strategic thinking that will then bind more detailed DPDs.
There is a particular problem for county councils in seeking to collaborate with local strategic partnerships in developing the minerals and waste LDFs, because in many counties there is an LSP for each district council area. Hertfordshire have found that there are considerable differences of functions, organisation and working arrangements among the ten district-based LSPs in the county. This makes it very difficult to engage effectively with them, quite apart from the fact that they have other priorities and may not see a waste LDF as a key issue for them. While it is desirable to persevere and seek opportunities where they can be found to get closer to the district-based LSPs, the practical course is probably to concentrate on working with the county-based LSP, where County Council representatives can champion the need to engage with the LDFs.
Developing scenarios for evaluation
It has become apparent that practitioners are commonly experiencing difficulty in identifying the key choices which the plan needs to make, and bringing them together into alternative scenarios. This appears to be partly due to the fact that current strategy is so familiar that it is difficult to see valid alternatives, and partly because development plan practice over recent years has not generally included formal consideration of alternative scenarios. However, the new system explicitly requires that options are considered and evaluated to come to the preferred options, and of course the appraisal of alternatives is a central feature of strategic environmental assessment and therefore of sustainability appraisal.
The pilot authorities have previously considered the need for challenging options (May 2005) and that material will not be repeated here, rather some brief attention will be given to how valid alternative scenarios might be developed for evaluation.
Since current planning strategy is so familiar to the planning authority, it is suggested that a good starting point is to have brainstorm or workshop sessions with partners and key delivery agencies who of course do not carry any planning policy baggage. Such sessions can use one or more known key issues as starting points, and ask the participants to identify possible solutions. This should bring out possible solutions which differ from current planning strategy in two ways -
While the planners in the sessions might warn that some alternatives present significant difficulties in terms of planning policy, they should not rule out alternatives too early, but allow for ideas to grow and develop. The group can then be asked to identify what they see as the strongest looking possibilities, and also their implications for other matters.
Taking an example which will be relevant to a number of planning authorities, decisions about what ruling densities to adopt will be influential in the scale of urban extension which is needed. So a workshop session could examine the implications of median or higher densities for public transport, traffic, local services, effect on character of residential areas and so on; and similarly consider the impact of the consequent scales of urban extension in terms of both where the development might go and the implications for infrastructure, accessibility and availability of community services, impact on landscape and agriculture and so on. It may be anticipated that as this is worked through it will become clear that other issues are affected, and that some options within them will work better with higher densities or a larger urban extension, and vice versa. Thus alternative scenarios will emerge which differ in a number of ways from each other, and represent genuine sets of choices.
The temptation to evaluate the emerging scenarios should be resisted until there is agreement on their content. Then the planning authority will need to consider their respective merits taking account of a range of factors, some familiar and some relatively new, including -
Annual monitoring reports
The first annual monitoring report is due to be submitted by 31 December. If it shows that reality of LDF preparation is that dates in the LDS were too optimistic, consideration should be given to an early update, before the (anticipated) cut-off date which is expected to be imposed for Planning Delivery Grant. The requirement is to get the AMR to the Government Office by 31 December, but the provision of hard copies for other parties and getting it onto the website can carry over into the early New Year.
The guidance on annual monitoring reports sets out some demanding requirements, which will be difficult to meet in the first year when the necessary information systems are not yet all in place. It is therefore suggested that initial energies should be focused on the areas which are likely to be most sensitive and significant in tracking the delivery of strategy
The ambition should be for the AMR process to include monitoring as part of sustainability appraisal of the emerging suite of DPDs, and to be a shared activity with monitoring of the community strategy by the local strategic partnership. This will assist in bringing the two planning processes together, enable consistent interpretation of the findings., and offer economy in the use of resources. .To be effective monitoring should not merely record what has happened, but review actual progress with the LDF and begin to ask whether policies are being implemented and, more importantly, whether they are achieving their intended purpose. This will become increasingly important as DPDs emerge and make the transition from development to implementation. Moreover, the AMR should monitor the spatial strategy and not just the elements delivered by the planning authority through development control, so input from key delivery partners will be needed. Monitoring needs to be rigorous and genuinely challenging to be effective.
Apart from its other purposes, the AMR should be used internally by the authority as a tool for supporting positive improvement, and not merely to track production of the LDF. The evidence it provides should be essential information for councillors and colleagues, and for not just for planning but for wider authority purposes, such as lobbying and influence.
Practice Pointers
Getting the foundations right - Two of the pilot authorities have had interesting experiences in establishing the right strategic context for preparing their LDF. Doncaster were unhappy with initial growth figure for the Borough put forward for the regional spatial strategy, which they felt was too low to enable them to address issues successfully. They have worked with sub-regional partners in South Yorkshire to tackle the issue, and this has paid dividends, since they now have agreement on a figure they are happy with which will now be included in the RSS.
Coventry had an internal debate about the appropriate vision for the future of the city and the scale of development associated with it, and its implications relative to the RSS. There is now a common understanding of the context of national and regional strategy, and the potential of the core strategy. While this provides a good corporate foundation to work on, and has as a by-product increased the profile of the LDF, it has caused a delayed start, and the learning from the experience has led to a decision to make the issues and options stage longer than originally planned in order to obtain inclusive preparation and dissemination of the issues. The LDS will therefore need to be revised accordingly.
Reviewing the local development scheme - Coventry expect to review their LDS in the light of the delays they experienced in getting internal accord on the level of growth to aspire to, and other Pilot authorities are also considering a review. In Doncaster's case they feel that in the light of improved understanding of what is involved in DPD preparation that they were optimistic in the LDS, and resources have not arrived to the extent envisaged. Barking and Dagenham have revised milestones to reflect the time taken is sustainability appraisal and to reflect slippage, particularly in relation to SPDs.
New Forest have just managed to achieve the set milestones to date, and find that having them clearly set down in a published programme is definitely an incentive to meet the targets, and is a useful lever in securing contributory work from colleagues and focusing members on decision-making. However, they recognise that there will need to be flexibility in the future, particularly as the new National Park authority is being set up and intended operational relationships with it have to be carried into practice.
Statements of community engagement - Several pilot authorities feel that with hindsight, early drafting of the SCI has been disadvantageous at times, since the early aspirations and ideas on how to go about community engagement have not always proved suitable or beneficial. As thinking has developed and experience and confidence has been gained, it has become apparent that some aspects of the SCI could bind the authority to carrying out activities which they can now see are clearly not cost-effective or worthwhile. This suggests that there is advantage in not preparing the SCI at the outset of the LDF programme, but when there is some experience of what works best which can be reflected in it.
Coventry received considerable support for the pre-submission draft of the SCI, but there was detailed criticism from a small number of local groups which were relatively well-versed in consultation on planning issues more generally. Work with these groups led to agreed changes to the SCI, but this put the planned date of submission back 6 months. They feel it is difficult to assess whether a different approach, possibly with wider community engagement at the beginning, would have had a different outcome.
Working with agents and developers - Getting the local agents who regularly submit applications to engage with the LDD preparation had presented some difficulties. Ipswich wrote to local agents to invite comments on their householder extension guide, but although there had been some complaint about the existing guidance none took up the opportunity. They now plan to try another tack, running a workshop with agents instead.
Horsham found agents prefer to engage through phone conversations, which the agents have identified as their preferred means of contact. They make a written record of the conversation. They got a good take up from an invitation to agents to a session they held on making effective representations, including pointers on how to fill in the relevant tests of soundness on representation forms at submission stage.
Ipswich have found that sometimes the developer will take on the task of consultation. They persuaded a developer to fund a consultation on a green field site through consultants. The consultants found that while there was a large number of objections in the immediate vicinity of the site, these participants nevertheless recognised that the site would be developed and framed their representations accordingly. They found only a small number of objections in the wider community.
Issues in community engagement - Hillingdon have sought to engage with hard to reach groups with limited success. They have come to the view that this is an area where the planning department in isolation can only get so far. Getting to the hard to reach groups needs effective corporate approaches and relationships with outside organisations which the planners can tap into.
Barking and Dagenham are setting up a consultation database which will offer an online consultation tool where each user can register and be kept updated with progress on document preparation and progress generally. Pilot authorities had mixed experience of using web-based approaches, with some reporting it as successful but other disappointed. There was agreement that emails and website materials will not reach some "disadvantaged groups.
Some pilot authorities found the use of the Council newspaper, though heavily promoted from within the authority, of limited value as a tool for consultation, because response levels are low and respondents are self-selecting. Others use it purely to advertise forthcoming consultations and keep residents informed.
Sustainability appraisal - New Forest have worked corporately to prepare a scoping report as a generic document applicable not only to the LDF but also to any Council plan or programme that requires SA or SEA. The aim has been to produce a methodology and assessment criteria that are realistic and practical, and to integrate the criteria, indicators and data sets with those used in the monitoring processes.
Barking and Dagenham have undertaken initial work on deciding the outline content of the core strategy and the process for getting from policy options to preferred options. They carried out a mock exercise (taking affordable housing policy as an example) in which they carried out an initial sustainability appraisal of various policy options, an analysis of (mock) consultation responses and other evidence from plans, policies and strategies. This helped to clarify that it seems more sensible at preferred options stage to generate generic policy approaches rather than specific polices as these are easier to appraise for initial sustainability appraisal. They came to the view that there was little point in devising detailed policies at this stage when the initial sustainability appraisal work can be expected to suggest additional factors or approaches which need to be taken into account in the finalised preferred policy.
They also found it invaluable for the LDF team to work closely with the sustainability appraisal team to ensure understanding of approach, transfer of ideas and continual evolution of policies. The initial SA work raised some important learning points, particularly where it through up a question mark, eg when it said that a particular policy approach could have a positive or negative impact depending on how it was implemented. Such questions were accompanied by valuable suggestions as to how policy approaches could be amended to ensure a positive impact. The point was made that the final output of initial SA work must rest with the SA team to ensure independence.
Hillingdon took the decision to prepare the sustainability appraisal in-house, and feel that although laborious this has paid off for them. They feel it has brought robustness to the overall process of LDF preparation, increased officers expertise, and helped in bringing the preferred options documents for several DPDs together.
One pilot authority's work programme had the report on sustainability appraisal for preferred options stage due to be completed at the same time as the preferred options. This provided no time for the outcomes of sustainability appraisal to be considered in the framing of the preferred options. The issue was overcome, but it does point to the need to design appropriate time into work plans.
Technical studies - Horsham found that some of the evidence from technical studies was only becoming available when they had already prepared preferred options, which could have caused difficulties if the conclusions of the study had been in conflict. This emphasises the need for technical studies and other key research to be front-loaded in the process so that the results are available in good time to be drawn upon in strategy development.
Where consultants are used to provide background documentation which is to be used as part of the evidence base, Horsham make the point to ensure that they submit their reports in a format which can be easily copied and transferred into electronic format for use on the website.
Submission stage - Horsham advise that the number of deposit locations for preferred options documents should be limited: all submission documents, representations received, and a summary of responses have to be provided at each deposit location, which could involve considerable photocopying. With the advice of the Government Office, they are not putting all background documents at each deposit location at submission stage, but will make them available electronically and providing a hard copy executive summary of each.


text:
VAN NUYS, Calif. — Pure Play Media is now shipping "Cirque Du Hole-A," an all-new Seymore Butts' release featuring a variety of anal acrobatics and sideshow-inspired thrills.
"'Cirque Du Hole-A' plays out like a circus that's come to town with over-the-top performers and crazy anal antics and exploits," Pure Play Media sales manager Ms. Sonia said.
"Cirque Du Hole-A" includes acts of sphincter stretching, food-play, squirting and power tool usage.
Cast includes Mari Possa, Jayda Diamonde, Riley Evans, Joslyn James, Phoenix Marie, Jada Stevens and Cece Stone.
"The lesbian threesome featuring a power-drill-dildo really has to be seen to be believed," Ms. Sonia said.
"And, the zucchini-in-the-butt scene with Joslyn James... let's just say, she offers up her anus for a new variation on what a 'tossed salad' is."
Butts returned to porn in November, after a three year hiatus that saw the producer/director focusing on his Showtime reality series "Family Business."
"We're excited to be releasing yet another all-new Seymore title to adult retail to kick off the new year," Ms. Sonia said.
"2012 marked the explosive return of Butts to full-time directing, and we're expecting 2013 to be another fantastic year."
Email sent. If you wish to send to another person, click here.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Fuligni Brunello is the result of carefully selected grapes coming from low yields per hectare. It is not produced in years when the quality of the harvested grapes is not suitable to maintain the high standards of the estate. It is aged for four years, of which approximately two and a half are in wood.
Fuligni's regular Brunello di Montalcino–with its elegant combination of fruit and spicy aromas–can age, but is designed for early drinking.
Reg: $59.94
This product is
out of stock
Contact your dedicated Wine Specialist directly or email Customer Service:
Contact us
Wine consultation
Contact us
Wine consultation
2011 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino
Sangiovese Grosso - 750ML
2012 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino
2011 Pertimali (Livio Sassetti) Brunello di Montalcino
2012 Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino
Dear Customer
We are having problems processing your request.
Please contact our sales office between 9 AM and 5 PM (PST) for further assistance at 1.888.859.4637.
Very nice online experience, easy to navigate, excellent selections and you had the exact wine I wanted at the best price I found! Thanks!!!!
-James R., March 2018
Please, close this tab


text:
A national spotlight is now focused on aggressive law enforcement tactics and the justice system. Today's professional police forces — where officers in even one-stoplight towns might have body armor and mine-resistant vehicles — already raise concerns.
Yet new data-mining technologies can now provide police with vast amounts of surveillance information and could radically increase police power. Policing can be increasingly targeted at specific people and neighborhoods — with potentially serious inequitable effects.
One speaker at a recent national law enforcement conference compared future police work to Minority Report, the Tom Cruise film set in 2054 Washington, where a "PreCrime" unit has been set up to stop murders before they happen. While PreCrime remains science-fiction, many technology advances are already involved with predictive policing — identifying risks and threats with the help of online information, powerful computers and Big Data.
New World Systems, for example, now offers software that allows dispatchers to enter in a person's name to see if they've had contact with the police before. Provided crime data, PredPol claims on its website that its software "forecasts highest risk times and places for future crimes." These and other technologies are supplanting and enhancing traditional police work.
Public safety organizations, using federal funding, are set to begin building a $7-billion nationwide first-responder wireless network, called FirstNet. Money is now being set aside. With this network, information-sharing capabilities and federal-state coordination will likely grow substantially. Some uses of FirstNet will improve traditional services like 911 dispatches. Other law enforcement uses aren't as pedestrian, however.
To read this article in its entirety visit Reuters


text:
No matter who you are or where you're from, no matter what language you speak or what food you eat, one thing is for certain - we all bleed the same. I know that sounds a little dramatic, but it's true. The same could be said for just about any part of our bodies, but blood has always been an important symbol of life. We are born bloody, and a loss of too much blood can result in our deaths.
Our blood is also used by medical science to diagnose a variety of health issues, and problems with your bloodstream and/or its circulation can potentially be just as life-threatening as being the victim of a medieval swordfight. One of the more common problems that people have with their blood is the formation of blood clots. Annually, nearly 900,000 people in the United States will develop a blood clot. While most of them aren't usually serious and can be treated, blood clots still have the potential to be deadly.
Not all blood clots are bad for you, however. Our blood has certain substances (platelets) in it which react to the rupturing of a blood vessel (see diagram below). They collect in the spot of the injury and release fibrin polymers that trap nearby blood cells to create an impenetrable barrier. This prevents excess blood loss. Once the tissue heals, this barrier is naturally dissolved by the body.
Unfortunately, blood can sometimes clot inside the blood vessel, causing blockages. The buildup of cholesterol plaque is a notorious culprit for these kinds of blockages. If/when the plaque bursts, it releases substances that trigger the clotting mechanism, resulting in a blocked blood vessel.
The formation of these kinds of blood clots often happens in the legs, particularly the calf area. This is sometimes known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Symptoms include a persistent pain in one spot (usually after some activity), swelling, redness, warmth in that area, and/or visible blood vessels.
Due to their location, these symptoms are often just seen as being a stiff leg or muscle cramp. Unfortunately, if left unattended, the clot could eventually move its way upwards, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism if it reaches the lungs.
Doctors have found that there are various factors that can put one at higher risk for developing blood clots. Not surprisingly, old age is a factor, with people over 60 having a higher risk than others.
Weight is also an issue. Excess body fat can put extra pressure on the blood vessels. Besides, most dietary choices that lead to weight gain are all loaded with bad cholesterol.
Smoking kills in more ways than one. Smokers were found to have higher risks of developing blood clots, so do yourself a favor and kick the habit!
Sedentary lifestyles, involving long periods of sitting, are also a major hazard - and not just for the risk of blood clots. Sitting all day is terrible for you in so many ways.
Thankfully, if your symptoms are diagnosed properly, there are treatment options. There are medicines which help thin the blood and dissolve clots, as well as surgeries and other procedures that can help alleviate the issue.
As always, however, the best thing you can do is live a healthy lifestyle. Exercise and eat right, and your whole body will thank you by (hopefully) never getting these problems in the first place. Prevention is always better than a cure.
It also helps to get your blood pressure checked at least twice a year by a medical professional!
To learn more about blood clots, watch the video below:
Don't forget to SHARE this vital information with your family and friends.


text:
Hello there, beautiful people!
We know the first days of your Erasmus are meant for solving all the bureaucracies and can be a bit stressful. We also know that you want to get to know eeeeveryone and start enjoying each day more and more! So here you have it! The perfect plan for a memorable Saturday night!
Join us for the amazing …
Welcome Dinner with buddies
16th September, 20h30 @ Império
Tell your buddy to come so they can also experience this multicultural dinner!
Price: 8€ Includes: main dish and unlimited drinks until 00H00
Run to our office (map here) and get your spot. The seats are limited so don't wait until the last day!
IMPORTANT: Only ESNcard holders may register for this event but you can acquire up to two tickets (one for you and one for your buddy).
Meeting Point: Confeitaria Império, near Bolhão Market (map here).
Bring all your good mood ang get ready!
Your friends,
ESN Porto
Olá buddy! Queres passar algum tempo com o(s) teu(s) buddy(ies) de Erasmus e conhecer ao mesmo tempo outros estudantes portugueses e de outras nacionalidades?
Junta-te ao nosso…
Welcome Dinner with buddies
16 de setembro, 20h30 @ Império
Preço: 8€ Inclui: prato principal e bebidas ilimitadas até à 00H00
Registo: Pede ao teu buddy para registar o teu nome quando ele se for inscrever!
Ponto de encontro: Império, perto do Mercado do Bolhão (mapa).
Os teus amigos,
ESN Porto
- An ESNcard of this section required.


text:
The Reason Why You Require an SEO Consultant to improve Your Google Page Rank
If you are running an internet business, odds are you've encounter words like "Search engine optimization," "Search engine optimization Marketing," "Search engine optimization Companies" and "Search engine optimization Consultant." For those who have, you are likely searching into generating from your internet business, since Search engine optimization (internet search engine optimization) is essentially the very best technique for having your site more when compared to a visitors. Here are a handful of explanations why you will need an Search engine optimization consultant.
Consultants are knowledgable about page rankings
They would not be consultants when they did not keep themselves current using the latest rankings, exactly what the hottest searches are, and just what makes an internet business sell. A great Search engine optimization consultant, one that is well worth the buck, let you know what your web business lacks and just what would draw more and more people in. Almost as much ast more traffic will not make the finest website on the internet, more traffic will raise the chances that your products or services sells. An Search engine optimization consultant will explain exactly how to pull off that.
Getting a Consultant will enhance your business
Nobody knows much more about your products or services than you need to do. You may be offering some condition from the art stuff for those anybody knows. But you ought to get it there that people acquire it, and that is where an Search engine optimization consultant is useful. Consultants will enhance your online marketing strategy within the most updated possible way, tailored to your web business.
Consultants will probably do the majority of the work with your company
You tweak and tweak and tweak your website more, however it is not growing traffic, which means you tweak again. Exactly what a consultant can perform that you simply can't is perform the tweaking in compliance towards the trend. Search engine optimization is not a stagnant mode of website engineering since search engines like google keep developing search modifications. Why, you may well ask? Search modifications have consumers in your mind, not companies. An advisor will increase your site's potential by making use of trends that stick to constantly altering modifications.
Consultants set of progress
Good consultants within the type of Search engine optimization will update their customers around the progress of the site. Rather of getting to count just how much traffic you have had in the last month, an advisor let you know just how much traffic and profit your web business has accrued because you hired them. They even provide you with approximately what you will gain should you have them as the consultant. It's a part of marketing themselves. Just look out for impractical estimates. Good consultants realize that progress needs time to work, which time is not overnight.
You will find affordable consultants
"Search engine optimization consultant" or "Search engine optimization company" may be big, corporate words for those a new comer to the type of factor, but perform a little browsing prior to making your final judgment. There are plenty of consultants and firms that provide exactly the same factor as others, plus they naturally maintain their competitors in your mind. Locating a consultant that requests a genial fee is not impossible to locate. It's all regulated dependent on just how much you are prepared to invest increased traffic and profits.
For your entire marketing needs, you should search for the right company to handle your SEO needs. It would be in your best interest that you should look for seo consultant singapore for all kinds of business promotion and marketing requirements.


text:
Fablehaven is back! I'm so happy! I've missed these books so much and it was so wonderful to be back in that world.
In the original series, Seth and Kendra learn about Fablehaven's secrets and protect this secret preserve, a place where fairy tale creatures live. They've battled against evil, fighting dragons and demons and witches, and winning. Now, this new series focuses on the dragon preserves, specifically Wyrmroost, where the dragons are becoming restless. The magic that is binding the dragons to the preserve is becoming weak and a group called the Dragonwatch need a new "dragon tamer"—someone who doesn't become paralyzed in the presence of a dragon—to become the new caretaker. Enter Seth and Kendra. Because of their abilities they received in the first series, they are to work together to become the new caretakers of Wyrmroost. They need to strengthen the magical bindings to ensure that the dragons cannot escape and tyrannize the world.
This is a thrilling adventure for middle grade readers (and older, tbh. It involves dragons, fairies, demons, wizards, etc.—what's not to love!?). The dialogue is fun, and they get up to all sorts of mischief and perilous adventures.
Brandon Mull does fill in a lot of the backstory from the original Fablehaven series, so you could go into this book not having read the previous series, but I would reading the entire series before reading this book.
My Rating: 5/5 stars


text:
Before you can get involved in one of the translation projects of Open Translators, you'll need to be a member of one of our teams. You can either join an existing team or create a new team. Teams are always tied to a language.
Join a team
You can join a translation team, by following the following steps. You can be a member of more than one team at once.
- Go to the Open Translators portal, at https://opentranslators.transifex.net/
- Go to the "OpenTranslators" page, as indicated on the image below. Click the link
- Once on the "OpenTranslators" page, you've got three tabs you can select. Click the "Teams" tab
- You can now see an overview of the different teams you can join. Click the team you'd like to join
- Once you're on the Team page, click "Join this Team". Your request to join the team will be submitted. Once your request is accepted, you'll be added to the team and you'll have access to the team page. You'll also be able to translate projects on behalf of the team that you've joined. Remember that you can be part of more than one team, should you chose so


text:
I have been craving home made Peanut Butter Cookies for weeks. For me, that's pretty unusual. When requiring indulgence, I usually go for chocolate. They say your body craves what it needs. Off hand, I can't think of any reason why I should need peanut butter in any way, shape or form. And anyway, the fact is, I just can't seem to motivate myself enough to turn the oven on, not even for 10 minutes! I'm sure many of you feel the exact same way.
However, should you too get the urge for Peanut Butter cookies on National Peanut Butter Cookie Day, I thought I would drop off a recipe I found in The Peanut Butter Cookbook; from Soup to Nuts with America's Favorite Spread, by Judi & Tony Meisel, published in 1993. I also thought I'd drop off the Cooky Poem I mentioned on Gingerbread Day. It too is from the Tummy Tingles recipe booklet.
I have a question for you. When I was taught how to bake cookies, I was told not to use a mixer or any other kind of appliance for that matter. Everything was done by hand. The creaming of the butter, which I still can remember squishing through my fingers, and yes the eggs and other ingredients was all done by hand. Has anyone else been shown to bake cookies by hand? Just curious...If so, is there a reason?
I'll be back on Wednesday, which is supposedly Spill the Salt Day. As for tomorrow, that's Kitchen Klutzes of America Day. You may remember, I posted about my klutzy escapades last year when I listed the weekly June Celebrations for the 13th-19th. If you're in need of a few suggestions to celebrate Flag Day on Tuesday, I did a rather thorough post of Flag Day recipes back in 2008. It includes a recipe for Betsy Ross Pound Cake. While I'm at it, I should mention National Lobster Day (13th) and National Strawberry Shortcake Day on the 14th!
This week the Carnations in my new garden, finally revealed themselves. Those Gillyflowers, they're so spicy and unpredictable!!! It's too bad National Carnation Day is celebrated in January, I'd love to do another post about them. Perhaps I will...
P.S. I'm getting all revved for International Picnic Day, June 18th. You know what that means, The Picnic Game! Start thinking about what letter you want. I can tell you already, the letters are going to go fast!!! More about that on Wednesday:) "See" ya then...Louise:)


text:
Total Synergy corporate communications manager Jamie Millar talks to the Synergy2015 audience about the strategic benefits of content marketing, and how to do it as an SME professional services firm.
Content marketing is one piece of a broader digital marketing strategy, but it's a very cost effective way of building a corporate personality and image, and developing trust with a target audience, which, for SME AEC businesses, can include customers, partners, collaborators, contractors, consultants and more. Jamie talks about why content marketing is important and how to get started.
Synergy2015 - Jamie Millar from Total Synergy on Vimeo.
Jamie is Total Synergy's corporate communications manager. A former PR agency director, brand manager and magazine editor, he's responsible for how Total Synergy talks to itself (but not in a crazy way) and the outside world. Originally from Scotland, Jamie has had various roles around the world working in Greece, England, British Virgin Islands and USA. Other ways he has earned a living include butlering for royalty, working in Formula 1, and managing a fleet of charter yachts.
© 2018 Total Synergy Pty Ltd


text:
|Thread Tools
|October 27th, 2004, 08:41 PM
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: in the state of confusion :)
Posts: 3,524
Livi has also been diagnosed with a very low form of autism in conjunction with the ADHD. They are keeping an eye on her for that too. For having autism she is high functioning.
What I became aware of a lot of kids with autism have a food disorder. For instance Livi, can't eat hot dogs, or any type of beans, especially green beans even is they are hidden in other foods she has a reaction to them. Actually that is how they found out Livi's. She not only can't eat them can't touch them it makes her physically ill. Not sure of what others go though other than what I have seen at school when i was working.
I'll bet LiamFan knows more, She's extremely well educated on these matters.
((((((((( Hugs to all who want or need them )))))))
Smiles are contagious. It's ok to pass them on. *
|October 27th, 2004, 09:26 PM
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Canada
Posts: 551
Kind of like me and eggs, huh?
Sorry to hear about {{{{ Livi }}}}. There is HFA (high functioning autism) and LFA (low functioning). AS is on the spectrum and affects very HF people.
There are 2 means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.
-- A.Schweitzer
|October 29th, 2004, 03:05 PM
, a gr8 peer support
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: NH
Posts: 50
have to interject
i am glad to see all the responses and support. i am an adult female ADHD who SUCCESSFULLY raised a very severe male ADHD. I agree that meds can help, as well as organizing, but let me throw in a few warnings... first changes are ruff for all ADDD's . second, color coding may be helpful, but it can also be distracting, as can a lot of things around a room. visit a childs classroom and if it has a lot of posters or things that can catch the eye, discuss toning the room down. This can be true for home as well. Make sure u have one place that is the same all the time and is away from ALL distractions for homework. Some of us have no probs with math like algebra, u will find that in an ADD if they really like something instead of having less attention they become hyperfocused, and may be hard to pull away from it. When u look to organizing, find several different ways to do it and let the ADD try what they think will work.
As for school, here is another note: be very VERY careful putting an ADD in a special classes, especially in public schools. ADD's are very susceptible especially girls, and if u have another child in that classroom that tends to be disruptive or a bad influence, you may find your child getting much worse. You are better finding a system like sylvan, or a tutor and counsellor that specialize in these kids.
I make a gr8 peer councellor BTW so feel free to ask me ne thing on this one, i have become an expert lol. shari
|Thread Tools


text:
Regular Price: $649.99
The 4K Photo function can be used in three different modes, all allowing you to capture that perfect moment at a high burst rate of 30 frames / photos per second: 4K Burst - burst shooting 8-megapixel equivalent images extracted from 4K video as long as the shutter button is pressed. 4K Burst S/S (Start/Stop) - 4K burst recording as 4K video then play, pause, and extract any frame / photo as an 8-megapixel equivalent image later. 4K Pre-Burst - 4K pre-burst starts recording one second before and after you press the shutter button. Perfect for unpredictable moments.
4K video delivers a far more intense viewing experience that is four times larger than Full HD, resulting in a much higher level of detail.
The 25-600mm LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens features full-range F2.8.for enhanced low light shooting throughout the entire zoom range. While 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+ (Optical Image Stabilizer Plus) reduces blur from one-handed video shooting by compensating for 5 types of movement. The Level Shot Function detects the horizon line and maintains it, even if the camera is tilted.
Never run out of your favorites! Select our replenishment service to automatically receive a new shipment of your favorite items in the preferred frequency. Frequency can be selected from the available drop-down on each product page. Replenishment Service is easy and convenient. We offer the following cycles:
Monthly – every 30 days*
Bi-Monthly – every 60 days*
Quarterly – every 90 days*
Semi-Annually – every 180 days*
Your credit card will be charged for each order only when the item is shipped. You may cancel the service at any time by logging into your account.
*The number of days is calculated from the date of original order.
As a premier photo and video outlet, we are full line dealers for the entire range of photographic equipment and
supplies. Whether you are a leading professional or new to photography, our expert staff are always ready to
assist you in finding the perfect equipment at great prices.
Tel: (403) 234-9935
Toll Free: 1-888-539-9397
802 - 11th Ave SW
Calgary, AB
T2R 0E5 Canada


text:
DAVID Burke always knew this day would come. The St Thomas' clubman isn't arrogant – far from it – and he wasn't being presumptuous, or dismissive of the opposition. But all year the midfielder felt it in his bones that he would captain Galway back to the Holy Grail after 29 years.
"I just believed myself I was nearly born to do this, in a way, do you know?" he said. "I fully believed it all year. We were good enough to do this . . . I just knew during the week that there was something good going to happen.
"I just knew there was something special about this group of lads and I'm just thrilled to be a part of it and be a captain for the team. I knew myself that I was good enough to go up the steps (of Hogan Stand) and accept that cup on behalf of the team and the management. That's what I kept telling myself all year. It's not easy all the time, you've ups and downs throughout the year. We took awful slack after the Wexford game (in the League). Do you know, there was serious doubt . . .
"I think lads just realised, even myself and Joe (Canning), being the more senior players, that now was the time. There comes a stage you have to say to yourselves, 'we're good enough to do it, why aren't we doing it?'"
That stage came in the second half, when the All-Ireland final was in the melting pot against Waterford. "It's not easy out there in the heat of battle. It's 55 minutes on the clock, doubt comes in and you can't let that come into you. I just said to Joe (Canning) and Johnny (Coen), now is our time to drive on and win a bit more.
"We did that. We won a bit more ball around the middle. Then Niall (Burke) and Jayo (Jason Flynn), got a few scores, they were massive scores, when they came on. Niall won a savage free – he caught a puck-out. Those are the moments that win All-Irelands," he said.
The agony of losing the 2015 decider and suffering the heartache of falling in the semi-final to Tipperary by a point last year, stood to them, he said.
For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.


text:
Quickoffice has announced the availability of its App Quickoffice for iPhone in April 2009. Quickoffice is the first office suite that let you viewing and editing document along with access, CMS and sharing functionality for Microsoft® Word and Excel files on your iPhone.
QuickOffice for iPhone will be available in the next few weeks, and will cost $19.99.
Quickoffice includes:
- Quickword – Create, View & Edit Microsoft® Word Documents
- Quicksheet – Create, View & Edit Microsoft® Excel Spreadsheets
- Quickoffice Files – Provides rich features to transfer files between your computer and iPhone. Allows you to view many different file formats including PDF, iWork, PowerPoint and pictures.
Quickoffice for iPhone offers comprehensive range of functionality including:
- font formatting
- content selection
- bullets
- cut, copy and paste
- Landscape Keyboard Mode
in Word Documents. Excel Functionality includes extensive mathematical and statistical formulas.
Quickoffice for iPhone also features:
- WiFi File Transfer
- MobileMe iDisk Access
- Email Files
- auto-save
Quickoffice for iPhone screenshots:


text:
BMW "bubble car" reborn as the electric Microlino:
Swiss company Micro Mobility Systems AG showed its prototype electrified version of the classic BMW Isetta front-loading-passenger "bubble car" at the recent Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. In light of pint-sized urban vehicles like the Smart Fortwo and Renault Twizy, the Isetta "could be seen as well ahead of its time," said emerging technologies Web site Gizmag. The bubble car shape allows two passengers to sit side-by-side in relative comfort. The design "has a retro cool factor," with Micro Mobility Systems quickly filling reservations for the first 500 "Microlinos" after the showing in Geneva. The EV will have a range of about 62 miles (100 kilometers) and a top speed of 62 mph (100 km-h).
Audi hybrid racecar to battle Porsche, Toyota in world endurance racing championship:
Audi's 2016 R18 hybrid endurance racing car has been redesigned to the point where it has "almost nothing in common anymore" with its predecessor, the 2015 R18. The new model features a more radical aerodynamics concept, including a new safety cell, and its hybrid drive system is battery operated for the first time. The V-6 turbo-diesel engine has also been revised. As a result, Audi's LMP1 sports car is more powerful and more efficient than last year's entry, which lost the championship to Porsche's 919 Hybrid. "While the new R18 is Audi's strongest race car to date, it consumes less fuel than any of the generations before it," the company said.
Mazda makes MX-5 appeal more widespread:
The world's best selling small sports car will soon offer a retractable fastback model that Mazda says brings a new dimension to open-top driving and makes the roadster experience accessible to more drivers. In fastback mode, with the roofline sloping down to the rear edge, the 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF (retractable fastback) offers hardtop protection from the elements. The power roof opens and closes at the press of a button while moving at vehicle speeds up to 10 mph. The roof and rear window stow themselves in the back, but the MX-5 RF has the same trunk space as the soft-top model.
New Prius goes double the distance on batteries only:
A new version of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid unveiled at the recent New York auto show -- called the Prius Prime Ñ has twice the battery-only range of its predecessor. According to Toyota, the Prime will travel a maximum of 31 miles on battery power alone and reach battery-only speeds of up to 84 mph. Toyota promises fuel savings will be up 26 percent over the previous version. Notes Automotive News Europe, the boost in battery-only driving betters the maximum 19 miles of Ford's Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and the 16 miles from the Audi A3 e-tron. But it's less than General Motors' Chevrolet Volt, with 53 miles of electric range. The new Prius also longer, wider and lower than the previous model.
Diesel pulled from A4 lineup:
Audi has canceled plans to bring to North America a 2.0-liter diesel trim level for the 2017 Audi A4 redesign, due to be launched this spring. The luxury brand made the move, said Audi of America president Scott Keogh, due to the United States market demanding more SUVs, and not because of government demands for compliant diesel engines, reported autos-everything Web site, Jalopnik. "This shouldn't be a surprise after Audi had to pull all its applications for EPA approval of 2016 diesel models following a pending stop-sale on current Volkswagen Group diesel models." Koegh "is not wrong" to say the demand for a diesel A4 won't be there (in the United States), "but it's not entirely due to demand for SUVs."
Shift points
-- The only low-speed electric "urban" vehicle from a major global automaker is certified for sale in Canada and was to be launched in the province of Quebec in April. The quirky little Renault Twizy will be positioned as "a particular and different object, between a car and a moped."
-- Ten-speed General Motors will offer its new 10-speed automatic transmission in eight of its models by 2018, says global product chief, Mark Reuss. The first car to get the rear-wheel drive gearbox will be the 2017 Camaro ZL1 this fall.
-- Portland, Ore., is the most electric car-friendly city in the United States, says a study by Indiana University researchers. The school looked at 36 major American jurisdictions, and found the top five are: Portland, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Ore. (not Maryland), New York City and Denver, Colo.
More Stories: Wheelbase - Shift
- Shift!
- Shift! From hybrids, technology, new vehicles and the environment, to saving money at the pumps.
- Shift!
- Shift!
- Shift! From hybrids, technology, new vehicles and the environment, to saving money at the pumps
- Shift! From hybrids, technology, new vehicles and the environment, to saving money at the pumps
- Shift!
- Shift! From hybrids, technology, new vehicles and the environment, to saving money at the pumps
- Shift! From hybrids, technology, new vehicles and the environment, to saving money at the pumps.
- Shift! From hybrids, technology, new vehicles and the environment, to saving money at the pumps


text:
K+N replacement filters are made of resistant washable cotton material. Increased air flow for optimum power delivery. The long service life means the filter quickly pays for itself.
You may also be interested in the following product(s)
EmgoAirfilter Yamaha YZF R1 2002 to 2003
HifloAir filter HFA4916 Yamaha YZF R1 2002 to 2003


text:
Taking part in the Tropic Air 10to4 helps us to protect the mountain you are riding down.
Why not support Mount Kenya in more ways than your entry and raise critical funds for mountain conservation?
There are great prizes on offer this year.Top sponsorship earns a Tropic Air helicopter flight around Mount Kenya at next year's event, and anyone who raises over 20,000KSh will be entered into a prize draw to win two sets of adult tickets to Mombasa or Lamu/Malindi, courtesy of Fly540.
Download your sponsorship form HERE.
Here's what your extra money could buy:
$30 – One wheelbarrow for a tree nursery group or 10 watering cans
$50 – One pair of boots for a ranger
$55 – Energy saving jiko for a family (cuts their fuel use by 60% saving time and money)
$75 – One community health mobiliser monthly salary
$300 – Medicine for a monthly clinic
$360 – A ranger rations for year
$400 – A water tank for a community group
$800 – A large tent for rangers
$1000 – Horse feed for patrol ponies for one year
$1000 – One industrial sized energy saving jiko for schools (cut schools energy bills by 60%)
$1500 – Buy 10,000 indigenous trees (15 cents per tree)
$1600 – set of 4 tyres for patrol team vehicle
$1800 – ranger salary & rations for a year
$2,500 - Elephant corridor maintenance per month
In addition, the best PHOTOGRAPH wis a stay at the exclusive mountain Ragati Conservancy tented Camp, located southwest Mount Kenya.
Mount Kenya is one of Kenya's most important water catchment areas whose forests must be preserved to keep water flowing to millions of Kenyans. It feeds the country's largest river, the Tana, which through hydropower generates up to half of Kenya's electricity. It is home to almost 2500 of Kenya's elephants and a large proportion of the country's remaining indigenous forest.
But with a growing economy and an increasing human population, protecting the mountain for future generations has never been more critical. This means projects to help the authorities to protect forests, educate children about the environment, ending wildlife poaching and easing human-wildlife conflict.
Since the 10to4 was established, over $500,000 has been raised to support the MKT in their work. This includes planting more than half a million trees, building and maintaining a 14km elephant corridor through farmland, two elephant underpasses, returning over 450 hectares of bare land to indigenous forest, tree nurseries nurturing hundreds of thousands of seedlings, and helped 50,000 Kenyans with health care and thousands of children understand conservation better.
To DONATE NOW: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.
Find out more at www.mountkenyatrust.org sign up for newsletters and like Mount Kenya Trust on Facebook and Instagram.


text:
WASHINGTON -- The Clinton administration intensified growing trade tensions with Europe yesterday by barring European companies from bidding on millions of dollars worth of U.S. government contracts in retaliation for "intolerable" European procurement rules.
U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor, in a tough-worded statement, said the United States would consider further retaliatory steps if the 12-nation European Community does not drop its discriminatory rules governing purchases of telecommunications and other utilities equipment.
The administration's action would take effect March 22, but Mr. Kantor and EC trade commissioner Leon Brittan noted that they would meet in Washington Feb. 11 and hinted that a negotiated deal could be reached to avoid the U.S. response.


text:
During a time when it seemed like everything was changing, God broke through with a challenge: to see if the light from the East was brighter than our Protestant upbringing. This is a live chronicle of our family's exploration of Orthodoxy.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Our First Sunday
1 comment:
- AnonymousApril 21, 2010 at 3:42 PM
Great blog!ReplyDelete
My family and I are also very new to Orthodoxy. I have been attending for about 1 year now in an extremely friendly Antiochian parish.
What I have found with the liturgy is that you might want to follow along in the book once or twice, but by and large it is something that will sink in over time. After about a year of the liturgy I am finding that I know what is coming next. The things I couldn't follow or understand at first are things that are becoming clearer. Over time the details begin to flesh themselves out in your mind.
I thought at first that this repetition would get "boring" after while, but in fact when I'm not there I greatly miss it and feel that something is lacking.
As time goes on you notice more and more. I don't think that ever ends.


text:
Lean Manufacturing Training
Get employees buy-in using a variety of lean training kits and tools. We offer easy to use lean manufacturing training packages on a variety of topics including VSM, TPM, SMED, and 5S. Create your own lean mfg training supplementing with games, Power Point Training downloads, DVDs, and forms. Don't forgot to grab training aids like the Static Cling Whiteboard film or paper easels pads.
All prices are in USD. © 2018 Lean Supermarket | Sitemap
Powered by BigCommerce


text:
Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Bakwena), PinkDrive and the Department of Health recently collaborated in educating more than 3,500 men, women and children about breast, testicular and prostate cancer in communities adjacent to the Platinum Highway in North West Province.
Charmaine van Wyk, public relations manager at Bakwena, says the campaign kicked off at the Dinokana Community Health Centre and Lehurutshe Clinic in Zeerust. "About 370 people were examined and educated about cancer. The team also conducted mammograms on 14 patients, who were either older than 40 or had lumps identified."
The second phase of the campaign took place at the Groot Marico Clinic and Tshwelelopele Clinic in Zeerust where 359 patients were educated and examined and another 14 mammograms were carried out. In addition, PSA examinations were conducted on 72 men.
Reaching out to schools
In conjunction with the examination of adults, 3,112 children from surrounding schools – from grade 7 to grade 11 were educated about the different types of cancer and what signs to look out for.
Van Wyk says one aspect of Bakwena's extensive social development programme is to contribute to the welfare of communities along the routes it constructs, operates, maintains and builds on behalf of the country. "As a socially responsible company, we understand the importance of engaging in partnerships that bolster South Africa's health and education systems."


text:
Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar Ref. 26390OR.OO.D088CR.01
Movement: automatic-winding proprietary 2120/2802 caliber; extra-thin; thickness: 2.45mm; 40-hour power reserve; 19,800 vph; 21K gold oscillating weight; suspended barrel; rhodium-plated, Côtes de Genève decorative pattern and circular graining.
Functions: hours, minutes; date at 3; days of the week at 9; perpetual calendar; leap-year cycle; moonphase.
Case: 18K pink gold; Ø 41mm; antireflective sapphire crystal and caseback.
Dial: silvered; applied 18K pink-gold hour markers and hands.
Strap: hand-sewn "large square scale" brown crocodile leather with 18K pink-gold AP folding clasp.
Price: available upon request. Also available: brown dial.


text: Open an Account Today Our Members Enjoy: Free Checking Free Online & Mobile Banking Loan Rates Trusted Advice No Hidden Fees Become a member of Impact Credit Union Our History & More About Impact Credit Union: Our History The Impact Vision In the Community Contact Us Holiday Closings Career Opportunities News & Events What's Going On: Welcome CanDo Members to the Impact Family! Skip a loan payment this summer! CD Special - Rates as High as 2.30%! View Impact Credit Union's 2017 Audited Financials More Impact Credit Union News & Events


text:
The Benefits of Remote Working
Remote working options have improved considerably in recent years with the advances in internet connectivity and cloud computing. Working from home is now a totally viable option for many businesses and employees.
Working from home no longer need mean any loss of productivity. It is now possible to do anything you could do in your office, remotely. For some business, face to face contact may be preferable, but conference calls and video links make for an attractive and effective alternative.
How Remote Working is Improved by Cloud Computing
With cloud computing, all of your files are stored in a secure data centre, which you connect to via an internet connection whether you are in the office, at home, or out and about. All of your programs and applications can also be housed in the data centre, rather than being installed on an office device. This means you can access them anywhere regardless of what device you are using. There's no need to worry about purchasing additional licenses for software on all of your devices, no more emailing documents to yourself or carrying around flash drives. Cloud computing makes remote working a breeze. You may find you're more productive away from the office than in it!
Your Company and Employees can Benefit Dramatically from Remote Working
- Access all of your files, wherever you are.
- Run any of your business specific software, regardless of device.
- Save money, time and lower your carbon footprint with reduced commuting.
- No longer be affected by things like transport strikes and disruptions.
- Need to stay late to catch up or finish a project? Do it at home.
- Enjoy a better work-life balance.
- Employ the right people for your organisation, even if they live too far away.
- Save space in your office, and save money on rent, by allowing employees to work remotely.


text:
We all have different problems when it comes to personal financial management. Some of you may be dealing with debt repayment issues and you're trying to save as much money as you can. Others may be trying to boost their income so that they can save more for retirement.
The keys to solving most financial issues and shaping up a better future are saving and investing. As you save more money and start investing more, you can increase your income and have more money to allocate for expenses and debt repayment. Here are some tips on how to strengthen your personal finance, so you can be prepared for the future!
Debts First
If you're currently in debt and you want to get them cleared, you're on the right track. There are plenty of opportunities to save and invest, but that doesn't mean you should invest the money you save right away. In fact, allocating the portion of your income you can save towards repaying loans faster will actually allow you to save more perpetually.
Saving is a matter of taking a closer look at your budget and removing expenses that are not absolutely essential. The regular visits to the coffee shop, for instance, can actually be turned into a monthly saving of around $80 to $100. Putting that amount towards your credit card bills can help you repay them much, much sooner.
Invest in the Basics
When you're just getting started with investing, the best goal to aim for is more income. Similar to the previous tip we covered, increasing income will help you save more and, in turn, will enable you to invest more. That is why investing in income-generating opportunities is actually a great idea.
A higher degree is not a bad investment to consider. Pursuing a master's degree in a potential field can help boost your career – or your partner's career if the degree is for him – and increase your income substantially. A master of information degree from reputable names such as Rutgers Online, for instance, can actually land you that promotion you have always wanted.
Online degrees such as the online MLIS degree have better ROI (Return on Investment). They are up to 40% more affordable and bring the most income increase thanks to the up-to-date courses and specific programs.
Capital Gain
Investing to earn extra money is just the first step. Once you start saving more money, you can also start looking into long-term investments whose goals are capital gains. The stock market is a good place to start; so is the different retirement programs top financial institutions are now offering.
Before you start investing your money in these instruments, make sure you take the time to learn more about them. The stock market can be both daunting and confusing, but you can actually master the basics of investing in company shares in no time as long as you're willing to put in the hard work.
And that brings us to the last point of this post: hard work. The best investment you can make is the hard work you put in. Whether it's on the kids, on making the necessary adjustments to save money or on learning new things, working hard will give you the highest payout of them all.


text:
EPIPEN4SCHOOLS® survey combined analysis Prevalence and triggers of anaphylactic events
The EPIPEN4SCHOOLS® program (Mylan Specialty L.P., Canonsburg, PA) provides EpiPen® (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injectors to qualifying public and private US schools. Results of a pilot survey described characteristics of anaphylactic events occurring in an initial set of participating schools during the 2013-2014 school year. This survey was subsequently readministered to large US school districts (≥50 schools per district), which were underrepresented in initial survey findings. Here, data from schools in large districts were added to initial findings in a comprehensive combined analysis.
White, MV., Silvia, E., Hollis, K., Wooddell, MJ., Goss, D., Odom, D., ... Hogue, S. (2016). EPIPEN4SCHOOLS® survey combined analysis: Prevalence and triggers of anaphylactic events. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 137(2 [Supplement]), [AB52]. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.12.173


text:
Publication Date
[Excerpt] As a graduate student at The School of Hotel Administration, I had the pleasure of attending the 9th Annual National HR in Hospitality Conference & Expo. The conference was held at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada from March 16-18 and attracted HR and labor and employment relations professionals from all sectors of the industry. It was a great opportunity to network with and learn from key industry leaders such as Robert Mellwig, EVP of Really Cool People at Destination Hotels, Alan Momeyer, VP of HR at Loews Corporation, and Ellen Dubois du Bellay, SVP of Learning and Talent Management at Four Seasons. In a keynote address, Chris Hunsberger, EVP of Global HR for Four Seasons, discussed the importance of innovation in HR.
Suggested Citation
Lindseth, M. (2015, March 27). 9th Annual National HR in Hospitality Conference & Expo [Electronic version]. Cornell HR Review. Retrieved [insert date] from Cornell University, ILR School site: http://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/chrr/79
Required Publisher Statement
© Cornell HR Review. This article is reproduced here by special permission from the publisher. To view the original version of this article, and to see current articles, visit cornellhrreview.org.
Included in
Hospitality Administration and Management Commons, Labor Relations Commons, Training and Development Commons


text: Yup, am I screwed or what... Yesterday after I played Puzzle Quest Galactrix a lot, I used soft-reset to boot the DSTT Menu and it didn't load. It just loads the background skin and shows that flickering square at the left down corner of the screen, but there is no list of games, nothing. Re-tried several times, nothing. Plugged the Micro SD card into the cheap USB reader (suppplied with the DSTT) and inserted into the USB port on the PC. Wow, now even THAT does not work. The computer absolutely does not recognize that something has been plugged in, as if no Micro SD was inserted at all. Re-tried several times, no change. (The DSTT inserted into the DS without the Micro SD boots up and says "No card" though...) Am I absolutely fucked up? I have SAVs with much progress on that Micro SD card, especially Order of Ecclesia, Galactrix, Dawn of Sorrow, Chinatown Wars... (This might have been caused by Galactrix, that game saves very often). Will appreciate any advice.


text:
CANTON, Ohio -- The Canton Fire Department is asking for the public's help to identify a suspect, who is accused of setting a fire at a home in the city's northeast section last winter.
A surveillance camera hidden inside a doorbell captured video of the man setting the blaze in the doorway of the home after a snowstorm.
Since that time, authorities have exhausted all leads in the case.
Canton Fire Chief Tom Garra told Fox 8, "Our first concern is obviously it's arson and that type of fire can kill somebody inside the house or injure them really bad, and the second concern is if the person gets away, now we have an arsonist on the loose out there and we need to get him caught."
Fire investigators say they believe the arson was gang-related and that the suspect was attempting to retaliate against someone living in the home.
As a result of the accused firebug's disregard for safety and other people's property, the fire department has placed a high priority on his capture, and authorities are now sharing the surveillance video on various social media sites.
"We don't want to have loss of life because of an arsonist; he needs to be behind bars," said Chief Garra.
Anyone who can identify the suspect shown in the video, is asked to call investigator, Joe Carafelli, at the Canton Fire Department at 330-438-4549.


text:
Better Browsing: Automatically Find the Lowest Price Shopping Online with InvisibleHand
While you can always go on Google Shopping and go through a few clicks to find the lowest price on whatever you're buying, why deal with the hassle of even a couple clicks when you can just let an extension do the work for you? With that cue, allow me to introduce you to InvisibleHand. InvisibleHand is a free browser extension available for Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and even Internet Explorer (although why would you want to use IE?). Download it here! There really aren't many preferences to fiddle around with – just four checkboxes that are entirely self-explanatory. InvisibleHand just does the rest on its own: whenever you search for an item on the search engine of your choice, or if you go to a product page on a company's website, InvisibleHand will automatically compare the prices for that item on other stores to ensure you always get the lowest price on whatever you're buying. When it appears, you'll see a yellow toolbar at the top of your page with all the information intuitively laid out for you. Best of all, InvisibleHand only pops up whenever you need it, making your browsing experience as unobtrusive and clutter-free as possible.
In addition to aggregating and filtering pricing data, InvisibleHand also lets you see Amazon customer reviews at a quick glance, along with buttons to quickly share the deal with your friends! The extension even works for flights too! In fact, the only real weakness I've found is that InvisibleHand doesn't scour the web for used or refurbished products, which are generally of the same quality but 20-30% cheaper. However, if you've just got to have that new-in-box smell, use InvisibleHand to make online shopping just that little bit more convenient.
Do you like InvisibleHand? What do you think of its competitors, like PriceBlink? Let us know in the comments!


text:
DAAD - Scholarship within the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)
DocMASE is aimed at candidates with a Master's (or equivalent) degree in Materials Science and Engineering, or other related subjects such as Physics or Chemistry. Very good English knowledge is required, German knowledge will be an advantage. The DAAD scholarships are available for non-German candidates that have not lived more than 15 months in Germany until the 30.03.2018.
The scholarship includes:
The DAAD funding is for up to three or (in the case of developing and emerging countries) for up to four years and will cover:
- a monthly scholarship rate of currently 1000 €,
- a country-dependent travel allowance,
- a combined health, accident, and liability insurance,
- if necessary, a rent subsidy and family allowance
In the framework of the GSSP programme scholarships are to be awarded after a specific competition and a two stage selection procedure. After the first stage, those applicants who have been selected for a scholarship by a graduate school or a graduate programme at a German university must further submit a completed application form with all supporting documents via the DAAD portal.
The final selection decision is made by a DAAD selection committee composed of university professors.
Language skills
German language skills are generally required, although the required level also depends on the applicant's project and topic, as well as on the available opportunities for learning German in the applicant's home country. In the natural sciences and in engineering disciplines, in particular, and when English is spoken at the host institute, proof of good English language skills may also be accepted.
Further Guidelines and Information for Applicants from Abroad can be found here: Guidelines and Information for Applicants from Abroad
Roberto Rocca Fellowship
The Roberto Rocca Education Programme is accepting applications for the Roberto Rocca Fellowships for doctoral studies in selected fields of engineering.
The Fellowships are open to citizens of Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Romania and Venezuela who will enter a Ph.D. programme in 2013 or who are already undertaking a Ph.D. at a university outside their own country. Fellowships are granted to students who will or are pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineering and whose research offers potential benefits to the steel industry.
Fellowships are awarded for a period of two years and may be used for tuition, fees and living expenses. The award amount will depend on the candidate's financial need but in general candidates are encouraged to seek complementary sources of funding.
Fellows are not required to work or do research for the sponsoring companies. Employees of the sponsoring companies are not eligible for the Fellowships.
Applications for the Fellowships must be submitted via the on-line Fellowship application on the Roberto Rocca Education Programme's website (www.robertorocca.org).
For additional information about the Fellowships see the programme's website or send an email to: info(at)robertorocca.org
Founded in 2005 to promote the study of engineering and the applied sciences, the Roberto Rocca Education Programme is sponsored by the Tenaris, Ternium and Techint companies. The programme is named in honor of Roberto Rocca, the late Chairman of the Techint Group. In addition to Fellowships for Ph.D. studies, the programme also awards Scholarships for undergraduate study at domestic universities in participating countries and is funding more than 650 Scholarships every year.
EUSMAT - European School of Materials
Campus, D3.3, Room 3.19
D-66123 Saarbrücken
Tel.: +49 (0)681 302 70507
Fax.: +49 (0)681 302 70502


text:
An awesome Indiana police officer is making sure that no one gets left behind -- not even stuffed members of the family.
Last Saturday, Jason Cullum of the Evansville Police Department spied a teddy bear on the interstate on his way to work. But instead of driving by, he stopped traffic to pick it up, according to Good Morning America.
"I know how important those are to kids," Cullum told GMA. "We carry teddy bears in our car because we know when we talk to kids having a bad time, if you give them a teddy bear it helps them relax and makes them feel better."
A dashcam video shows Cullum halting in the middle of the interstate to retrieve the bear from the road. He then hands it over to the family of Nikki Mayo, the bear's 8-year-old owner. The EPD uploaded the rescue footage to its Facebook page Tuesday.
"I am sure you made the child's day," commented Facebook user Rick Cooper. "Those little bears and some toys are a child's life line. They feel protected and secure. You did an OUTSTANDING job returning and even caring enough to return the child's bear."
Local news station WTVW brought Cullum and Nikki together Wednesday night so the third grader could thank her bear's rescuer.
"This is the first bear I've ever had," Nikki said, according to WTVW.
Cullum later said of the reunion, "Seeing her holding that bear, not just holding it, but hugging it like she's never going to let it go, I'm really glad that I stopped."
H/T: Yahoo! News


text:
After hours of researching and reviewing smart home gadgets, these are our favorites. This page is not sponsored by any brands, so you're getting our real opinion. (There are affiliate links on this page, which earn us a small commission at no cost to you).
LIFX has the brightest colors of any smart bulb, without requiring a hub for installation.
Read more here:
Best Smart Lights Without Hubs
Ecobee3 offers remote sensors for making sure the temperature is even throughout your home.
Read more here:
This was a close call between both cameras, but Piper's siren, free cloud storage, and compatibility with Z-Wave door sensors make it our favorite.
Read more here:
August is easy to install and very compatible with other smart home devices.
Read more here:
Kwikset vs Schlage vs August Electronic Locks
A Day in the Life of My Dream Smart Home Integration
Genius Smart Home Tips to Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation
Skybell has extra features like night vision and quiet mode, but if you have an August door lock, you'll want to opt for the compatible August doorbell cameras.
Read more here:
Doorbell Cameras Ring vs August vs Skybell
Arlo Pro offers excellent cloud storage along with battery and outlet power. If you don't want to commit to a base station, Canary Flex is also great.
Read more here:
Nest Cam Outdoor vs Canary Flex vs Arlo Pro Cameras
RainMachine has strong software that functions even if you WiFi is down and integrates with personal weather stations.
Read more here:
Rachio vs RainMachine vs Skydrop
Chamberlain MyQ dominates this category as the safest, easiest, smartest garage door controller on the market.
Read more here:
Garageio vs Chamberlain MyQ vs GoControl Linear